The City Council has approved last week an ordinance institutionalizing Permeable Paving Systems in the construction of car parking spaces, walkways, open spaces, low-traffic roads of establishments in Davao City is set to be institutionalized with the approval last week of the ordinance
“Permeable Paving System (PPS) is a storm water management facility that allows water to move through void spaces within the pavement and eventually infiltrate into underlying soils,” said Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III, chair of the committee on public works.
Zozobrado said Article 3, paragraph 3 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change provides as a guiding principle that the Parties to the convention should take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent, or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects;
“The use of the PPS is one of the alternative options eyed to solve the environmental problems caused by conventional concrete,” he said.
Zozobrado said Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. He added that the Local Government Code (LGC) expressly and/or impliedly grants the Local Government Unit the powers to efficiently and effectively carry-out its function and promote the general welfare.
“The local government code also empowers the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact ordinances aimed at regulating the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, parks, and other public places and approve the construction, improvement, repair, and maintenance of the same,” he said.
Zozobrado said the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of Davao City (Zoning Ordinance) was enacted for the purpose of, among others, promoting and protecting the environment, health, sanitation, safety, peace, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the inhabitants in the locality;
The committees on Public Works and Highways and Environment and Natural Resources jointly convened in July to push for the ordinance after the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) Inc. requested the passage of more environment-friendly construction policies in the city.
